The ninth annual Sport Pembrokeshire awards on Friday were a fantastic celebration of sport right across the County.
The prestigious awards ceremony at Folly Farm was hosted by sports journalist Bill Carne and Cllr Huw George and was attended by more than 600 people.
The evening celebrated the outstanding success of sportspeople, teams and clubs across a variety of disciplines in Pembrokeshire, plus the commitment of coaches and volunteers behind the scenes.
It was organised by Sport Pembrokeshire – Pembrokeshire County Council’s sports development team – and sponsored by Valero, Western Telegraph, Folly Farm and Radio Pembrokeshire.
The winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award 2015 was former professional rugby player Jonathan Thomas.
Jonathan started his journey at Pembroke juniors, before a distinguished record with Swansea, The Ospreys, Worcester Warriors and Wales. He played at flanker, lock and Number 8.
In a ten year career with The Ospreys, he won four league titles and an Anglo-Welsh Cup, and captained The Warriors between 2013 and 14.
He made his international debut on the summer tour to Australia in 2003; played in the World Cup in the same year, and was a member of the Wales Grand Slam squads in 2005 and 2008 – when he played in every game. In all, he won 67 caps, and scored seven tries.
Warren Gatland said of him: “He was a player we had a lot of time for and no-one wore that jersey with more pride.”
In 2014, he was diagnosed with epilepsy and, in September this year, announced his retirement from the game on medical grounds.
At the time, and since, he’s become a prominent campaigner around the risks of head trauma and concussion – ensuring that player welfare remains a top priority for World Rugby.
Another of this year’s winners was Gelly James, recipient of the Chairman’s Special Achievement Award 2015.
Gelly James recently retired from teaching at Sir Thomas Picton School, leaving behind a powerful legacy. In his 38 years of unbroken service, he influenced a huge number of students, not only on the sports fields but also in his role as Head of Year.
He undoubtedly produced some top-notch sportsmen and women but Gelly was also a huge believer in the maxim that there is a sport for all.
He was a founder member of the Pembrokeshire Schools Golf Tournament and for a number of years was chairman of Dyfed Schools’ Golf.
On a personal front Gelly was and still is, a gifted all-round sportsman, playing golf off a handicap of 8, having been a single-figure handicapper for over 20 years.
He played scrum half for Haverfordwest Rugby Club for 15 years, a club in which he coached and is now an eager supporter. Gelly was also a regular in the Pembrokeshire County team and his 25 appearances earned him the coveted County blazer badge. He also played for more than 20 years with Camrose Cricket Club.
Councillor Elwyn Morse, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure, said it was an inspirational evening.
“It was a privilege hearing about the success and commitment of the County’s outstanding sportspeople, teams, and clubs, and the dedication of teachers and coaches,” he said. “It was a wonderful celebration of sport in our County.”
Ben Field, Manager of Sport Pembrokeshire, paid tribute to community sport in Pembrokeshire, and said every top sportsperson had played sport at grass roots level at one stage.
“Coaches and volunteers play a vital role in community sport,” he said. “In a nutshell, they are the ones who make sport happen. Without their commitment, many clubs would not be able to run. It’s down to them that grass roots sport in Pembrokeshire is thriving.”
This year’s winners and finalists in each category were:
Coach of the Year
Winner: Simon Williams
Finalists: Kevin John & Oliver Duckett
Female Sporting Achievement
Winner: Gabrielle Ridge
Finalists: Bethan Morris & Naomi Pearce
Male Sporting Achievement
Winner: David Omoregie
Finalists: Matthew Williams & Ben Sutton
Boys Under 16 Achievement
Winner: James Probert
Finalists: James Tomlinson & Tom Murphy
Girls Under 16 Sporting Achievement
Winner: Ashleigh Barnikel
Finalists: Ellie Codd & Esme Greer
Disability Sport Award
Winner: Lloyd Crawley
Finalists: Jemma Bowie-Hallam & Pembrokeshire Special Needs Gymnastics Club
Junior Under 16 Disability Sports Award
Winner: Harry Thomas
Finalists: Anthony Triebel & Libi Phillips
Unsung Hero Award
Winner: Nick Evans
Finalists: Lukas Gamble & Margaret Powell
Club Organiser Award
Winner: Matthew Lamb
Finalists: Jonny Sutton & Simon Nicholas
Team Achievement
Winner: Tenby Aces
Finalists: MLC (A) Squash Team & Team SAW
Junior Under 16 Team Achievement
Winner: Hakin AFC U14s
Finalists: MLC Junior Squash Team & Pembrokeshire Schools Rugby U15s
Student Contribution to School Sport
Winner: Craig Butland, Theo Salam & Callum McGartland
Finalists: Rhian Homer, Ben Leahy & Zac Davies
Contribution to School Sport
Winner: Corrine Codd, Ann Freeman & Ann Rabaiotti
Finalists: Katherine Pounder & Victoria Planner
Captions
Jonathan Thomas is presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Geoff Williams, Head of BBC Wales Sport.
Gelly James is presented with the Chairman’s Special Achievement Award by Councillor Wynne Evans, Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council.
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